Case studies

Case Study

Coping with Medical Diagnosis

Young person (YP) was struggling with sleep due to anxiety about a newly diagnosed medical condition, fearing death. Mum’s sleep was also affected.

We provided six 1-hour sessions using play therapy and solution-focused techniques.

These sessions explored feelings of uncertainty, reinforced positive self-belief, and introduced coping strategies.

Case Study

Confidence & Self-Esteem

YP had low confidence and self-esteem linked to a speech impediment and family stress due to sibling’s health and behaviour.

We provided nine 1-hour sessions using creative activities, games, and confidence-building exercises.

These sessions explored family dynamics and coping strategies through therapeutic play.

Case Study

Emotional Impact of Parental Illness

N was referred to the Young Carers Service as she is emotionally affected by her Mum’s ongoing and deteriorating health. During one-to-one sessions, N spoke openly and maturely about her experiences of seeing her mum unwell. She showed a high level of awareness for her age, including recognising “red flags” in her mum’s health and understanding when to seek help.

This case highlights the significant emotional impact that parental illness can have on a young child, particularly when caring responsibilities are present. Through coordinated multi-agency working, increased school awareness, and targeted emotional support, N is now better supported both at home and in school. Ongoing intervention aims to reduce N’s emotional burden and ensure her wellbeing remains a priority.

Case Study

Planning Together for Children programme

M is a parent of two children aged 7 and 11. Following the parent’s separation, communication between them became strained and often conflict focused. Disagreements around routines, school matters and contact arrangements regularly escalated, causing distress for both parents and impacting the children’s emotional wellbeing. M felt unsure how to manage conversations constructively.

Both parents were referred to the Planning Together for Children co-parenting programme. The programme provided structured learning stages focused on understanding children’s needs after separation, improving communication, managing conflict, and developing practical co-parenting plans.

Case Study

Our Voice Service

The young person is currently in care following experiences of abuse within their family of origin. These early experiences significantly affected their sense of safety, emotional expression, and ability to trust others. The young person was referred to the Our Voice service to support emotional wellbeing, build self-understanding, and develop healthier relationship patterns.

The Our Voice service offers weekly therapeutic sessions, providing a consistent, confidential, and emotionally safe space. This regular support enables young people to explore difficult thoughts and feelings at their own pace, knowing they are listened to and supported without judgement.

Case Study

Improving Child and Family Arrangements (ICFA) case study

We received a referral to support E, a 7-year-old who had not seen his father for over two years. Contact had been limited to emails, and parental conflict was entrenched, with no direct communication. ICFA was asked to safely reintroduce contact and help parents improve communication and co-parenting.

Contact was reintroduced in community venues chosen by E. He engaged warmly with his father, who responded sensitively. Two further sessions reinforced their relationship, with no safeguarding concerns.